Hi, I'm Laura and welcome to my blog! I'm a book publicist that works from home and this is about sharing what works for me while working the 'school hours.' I'll be writing about how I manage the juggle between work and parenting as well as highlighting other parents and their careers.

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Tag: #HashtagAuthentic

I like to listen to the radio while I’m working. I think it is because I miss the hum of an office and hearing snippets of other people’s conversations. Normally I have BBC Radio 4 on but in the past month, I’ve found myself switching it off. I’ve just had enough of the ‘B’ word (Brexit) and I’ve really got into podcasts.

This is very new to me – I was shocked when I heard someone swear on it (I know…) and actually winced because I thought it was radio. Anyway, after listening to some complete trite, I’ve now hit on a wave of good ones that help with stuff about this blog, inspiration and organisation. I particularly like downloading them and playing them in the car whilst I’m waiting for a dance class to finish or before school pick up.

You are probably well aware of all of these and if you have a recommendation – please let me know. I need more podcasts!

Ctrl Alt Delete by Emma Gannon – I realise that I have mentioned it before but I really love this podcast. Not all the guests and sometimes her questions can feel a bit too ‘fangirl’ for me but all kudos to her – she has great episodes. It tends to be based around a person with strong social media, but the guests always have guts. They’ve got drive, passion and have a way with words. Please listen to Sara Tasker and also Jameela Jamil. Both episodes had me hooked.

Goop x – I didn’t think I would like these, especially as I had unsubscribed from the Goop newsletter (too much wishy washy stuff for my liking) but the conversations held between Gwyneth Paltrow and her guests are fascinating. I found the Oprah one extraordinary (but too long) but I’ve enjoyed them all. I really liked the one with Stella McCartney because she is a business leader that I’ve admired since her Chloe days and she never really comes across well in print media. Here she discusses her career, the juggle and is displays a fine English wit!

I always enjoy the conversation of this podcast

The Little Chapters – Two wonderful women (Kayte Ferris and Jessica Rose Williams) chatting about their businesses. I found the freelance and money podcast particular useful. They are very honest and highlight areas such as how they cope with wanting to work and childcare really well. I like their viewpoints and no-nonsense attitude.

I think I’ve already mentioned in the past how much I enjoy Sara Tasker’s Hashtag Authentic podcast and can recommend the episode about freelancing and money management with Niki Groom (Podcast episode 55)

I like Allie’s gusto attitude on this podcast

A friend has recently mentioned The Purpose Show by Allie Casazza. This is a business related podcast where she discusses how she created her organisational businesses and makes it work with a family. It can be a bit too ‘churchy’ for me but I’ve enjoyed a few of the episodes.

Lastly, I have started to listen to On the Make by Josephine Brooks which focuses on how you can create a successful side-businesses. I’m finding this particularly useful because although I do not see this blog as a ‘side business’ (ie one that will generate an income), I do want to plan my blog posts in advance and get a bit more ‘with it.’ This blog allows me to treat this as my side hustle.

What are your favourite work related podcasts? I’d love to know as I’m a bit obsessed!

Ps: I’m also listening to Slow Burn – Watergate files which has nothing to do with work but it is an in-depth investigation into what really happened. I’m pretty clueless about American history and this is fascinating.

Just thought I would share a few things that are making my life sweeter at the moment! Quite like the BBC, the things that are either entertaining, informing or educating me!

First up has to be The Homeworker magazine. I downloaded the first issue last week while I was in London during half term and have been slowly reading it on my iPad. I wouldn’t recommend you read it on your phone. There are lots of thought provoking articles, it is beautifully designed and I love the mix of insight and whimsy.

This is such a good find!

During my London trip, I spent time working in the cafe at M&S on Oxford Street! (hello free wifi!) I was feeling VERY tired at the time and looked it too. You know when you are so tired but cannot be bothered to even put make up on that will make you look better but still you are cba? Well I shamelessly snuck into the beauty department and slavered on the Emma Hardie Midas Touch Revitalising Eye Serum which was amazing and really perked me up. (it is however out of my price league) However, while I was doing this, a lovely M&S lady came up to me and offered me a few samples to try at home and the standout was Pixi Vitamin-C Cavier Balm which is brilliant! I wear it at night and I wake up looking alive – not the half zombie. The closest to the dreamy Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum I have tried. And it is a lot cheaper at £24 from M&S.

A bunch of Daffodils make me happy!

Having flowers in a vase near my laptop as I work is definitely a luxury that never fails to boost my mood and normally I view this as a treat but I am loving having Daffodils available to me at the moment. 99p a bunch normally and they do last a good week. Bringing sunshine to my working day! (although this crazy warm weather is also a real mood lifter)

I’m also mainlining podcasts as I work too – I’m working on a few projects that need an extra boost of creativity on my part and I find listening to inspiring people really helpful. I recommend Hashtag Authentic with Sara Tasker – and also any podcast that has her on as a guest. She has a book out too now. She speaks with honesty and clarity on running a business whilst also suffering from chronic illness. My friends think I’m bonkers but I’ve always had a soft spot for David Tennant (he just seems like a really nice man who is VERY good at his job), so when I saw he had a podcast, I was there. I loved his interview with Olivia Coleman and Jodie Whitacker.

What are your favourite things at the moment? I love hearing about great books, podcasts, clothes or anything really that brings happiness!